Late firefighter honored for unselfish dedication

Capt. Chris Good fought blazes on the job – and as volunteer

The late Capt. Christopher M. “Goody” Good of Good Will Fire Company was honored by the Red Cross Wednesday.

The late Capt. Christopher M. “Goody” Good of Good Will Fire Company, who also worked as a career firefighter for ArcelorMittal in Coatesville, was the honoree at the annual Chester County Heroes Breakfast on Wednesday.

Sponsored by the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania, the event recognizes and celebrates people in Chester County who exemplify the mission and qualities of the Red Cross and have saved lives and committed selfless acts of courage and compassion, said Dave Schrader, a Red Cross spokesman.

Well-known and respected throughout the Chester County emergency services community, Good spent most of his adult life fighting fires, both for a living and as a volunteer. For 10 years, he served as a captain with the Good Will Fire Company in West Chester, and before that, he was a lieutenant with the Lionville Fire Company.

Rich Yoegel, co-chair of the American Red Cross Chester County Leadership Council, presents the Heroes bowl to Jessica Good, the widow of Chris Good, who was honored posthumously for his years of bravery and community service. Photo by Alex Greenblatt

On Nov. 20, 2012, Good was among a team of firefighters who responded to a house fire in West Goshen Township, interacting with Red Cross volunteers also responded and provided assistance to the family at the scene, Schrader said. A day later – hours after attending a fire department planning activity – he passed away suddenly at his home at the age of 36, leaving behind a wife and three children, his obituary said.

Among the speakers, who included Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner Edward Mann, State Sen. Andy Dinniman, and West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta, the audience heard about Good’s exemplary service and dedication. But it was his widow, Jessica Good, who eloquently explained the roots of Good’s passion. She said he began going to fire calls at a young age with relatives, an opportunity that solidified his career plans.

On one of their first dates, Jessica Good said she realized the depths of his commitment to firefighting when he drove her around to the different fire stations where he had worked. “Very romantic,” she said, eliciting laughter. “Chris always said: ‘This is who I am.’” She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support she and her family received after her husband of only six years died. She ended by reciting a quote that her husband often repeated after hearing it from one of the 9/11 firefighters: “If it isn’t outstanding, it’s unacceptable.”